Since its
publication in 1978, Celebration of Discipline has helped millions of seekers
discover a richer spiritual life infused with joy, peace, and a deeper
understanding of God. Hailed by many as the best modern book written on
Christian spirituality, Celebration of Discipline explores the classic
“disciplines,” or central spiritual practices, of the Christian faith.

Dividing the spiritual disciplines into three movements of the spirit, Foster shows how each
movement contributes to a balanced spiritual life. The inward disciplines of
meditation, prayer, fasting, and study offer avenues for personal examination
and change. The outward disciplines of simplicity, solitude, submission, and
service prepare us to help make the world a better place. The corporate disciplines of confession, worship, guidance, and celebration bring us nearer to
one another—and to God.

Foster provides a wealth of examples
demonstrating how the spiritual disciplines can become part of our daily
activities—and how they can help us shed our superficial habits and “bring the
abundance of God into our lives.” Celebration, often the most neglected of the
disciplines, is revealed as critically important, for it stands at the heart of
the way to Christ. Celebration of Discipline will help motivate people
everywhere to embark on a journey of prayer and spiritual growth.

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Quotes & Awards

“If everybody in the country could read—and heed—this book, what a difference it would make to the planet.”

Madeleine L’Engle, author of A Wrinkle in Time

“Like a child exploring the attic of an old house on a rainy day, discovering a trunk full of treasure and then calling all his brothers and sisters to share the find, Richard J. Foster has ‘found’ the spiritual disciplines that the modern world stored away and forgot, and has excitedly called us to celebrate them. For they are, as he shows us, the instruments of joy, the way into mature Christian spirituality and abundant life.”

Eugene H. Peterson, author of Leap over a Wall

“Richard Foster has given us a rare gift…The celebration of each discipline in this book hands us a tool that can be useful in helping us to integrate our inner and outer lives.”

Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB, author of A Tree Full of Angels

“The best modern book on Christian spirituality…No other book apart from the Bible has been so helpful to me in the nurturing of my inward journey of prayer and spiritual growth.”

Ronald J. Sider, executive director, Evangelicals for Social Action

Listener Opinions

by Kathleen Kurlin | 2/13/2014

" This is probably one of the greatest books I have ever read on the subject of spiritual discipline. I am only halfway through this book so far, but I can't believe all that I've learned so far. I am in a class at my church and we are using this book for our year-long class. I can't wait to finish reading this book. I look forward to applying all the principles I'm reading about in this book to my daily life and walk with God. Great, great book! "

by Jeremy | 2/6/2014

" It's not a page turner, but it is the best treatise on spiritual disciplines I've found. I think that it should be required reading. "

by Leslie A | 2/6/2014

" One of the most inspiring and practical books on Christian living. I think I need to reread! "

by Toby | 2/6/2014

" This is a wonderful book. In Christian life, we know that there are disciplines and things that we can incorporate into our lives, and rarely, someone might tell us what they are. But no one tells us *how* to do them! This book provides an overview of the importance of each of several spiritual disciplines, but more importantly, it provides some basic advice on the practical nature of *how* to do these things. I am very much looking forward to reading this again, and studying it to extract the marrow of wisdom that it has to offer. A must read for all Christians! "

" Wow. A thought provoking, challenging book on developing spiritual disciplines. This is one of those I need to read at least twice! "

Adam Parker | 1/21/2014

" Highly practical book without all of the theological language fluff. A great book for those who are looking to deepen their walk with the King. With certainty, one of the most life applicable books I've read. "

Chris | 1/21/2014

" As someone who didn't grow up a Christian, his practical guide of how to use a discipline was extremely helpful. The chapters on meditation and prayer were especially meaningful to me. However, there were several parts that were just plain rambling. Some sections could have even been cut. Still a good book though. "

Elizabeth | 1/17/2014

" This book is potentially life changing. Thanks to those of you who recommended it to me. "

Lauren Jespersen | 12/31/2013

" Foster is just so classic and just soo good... love his writing, love his ideas..just like his other books, they are meant to re-read "

Jewel | 12/29/2013

" A powerful contemporary book that discusses the path to spiritual growth by means of inward, outward, and corporate disciplines. The best spiritual disciplines book that I have ever read. Convicting, inspiring, instructive. "

Anna Salahub | 12/24/2013

" Brilliant and very practical book. It not only biblically explains all the discipline, but also gives suggestions about the ways to practice them. "

" Wonderful book to get you growing in a number of spiritual disciplines to draw you closer to God. "

Rachel | 11/28/2013

" A great Christian teaching book. "

Erin Michelle | 9/25/2013

" This book illuminated the places in my life where fleshly desires were running rampant and has brought a new clarity and hunger for spiritual growth and discipline. "

Ingrid | 9/25/2013

" I love John Foster's down to earth philosphy and practical way that he applies the work to daily life.... "

Dave | 7/11/2013

" This is the single best book in the category of spiritual disciplines! I found it to be just as engaging the third time around as the first two times! "

Andrew Fulford | 6/3/2013

" Excellent practical direction in the spiritual disciplines, with the odd bit of Quaker theology coming out in a few places. "

Tony | 3/19/2013

" The information that I came across in this book has and will change my life forever. There is so much that I have yet to experience. This book is a great framework to learn about developing a closer, more fulfilled walk with your Heavenly Father. I learned a lot about early followers of Christ. "

Zach | 5/29/2012

" Excellent guide to the spiritual disciplines. "

Jane | 4/16/2012

" One of the most important books I've ever read, this masterpiece calls us to use the spiritual disciplines to help us draw closer to God in a world determined to draw us away. "

Aimie | 4/11/2012

" Wow... I hardly ever write comments or reviews, but this book is life-changing. It's getting to the heart of worship and a true relationship with Christ that brings a sincere and constant joy and peace into your life. "

Mike Curtiss | 11/7/2011

" The most important spiritual formation book I have read. Systematically treats prayer, meditation, fasting, study, and other spiritual disciples in an accessible way. If I could only have one christian book besides the Bible, it would probably be this. "

Sally Stanfill | 10/6/2011

" Truly the greatest spiritual book I have ever read. "

Chris Stadler | 10/4/2011

" The content of this book was incredible. The writing was a little difficult to follow at times due to the innumerable references to other authors and books. I still would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to delve deeper into the disciplines associated with a deeper walk with Christ. "

Ellen Michaud | 7/4/2011

" An amazing book that teases the mind and draws the spirit. With great clarity, Richard Foster takes the reader by the hand and leads him or her into the paths of righteousness. "

Nell | 6/13/2011

" This will be at least my 6th or 7th time To go through Foster's book. I learn from it every time. And I'm always challenged to develop more of the disciplines in my life. "

Josh | 5/23/2011

" A bit legalistic for my taste.
"

Ron | 5/22/2011

" Classic twentieth-century guide to a deeper inner life and joy. As the title implies, discipline is not negative but positive. Foster explores twelve approaches to inner, outer and corporate discipline.
"

Becca | 3/14/2011

" I have read and reread this book many times. I think it is a great resource for the practicals of how to practice spiritual disciplines. I don't agree with all of Foster's teaching and theology, but I have found the book tremendously helpful in my walk with Christ.
"

Denise | 3/7/2011

" Life changing perspective and Biblical teaching
"

Drew | 3/6/2011

" A mixed bag. It had some great stuff. But there was a lot about the book that I disliked. Sometimes the things he says just come across as pretentious in my opinion. I read it because so many people speak highly of it, but I came away thinking that the hype for this book is not justified.
"

MT | 2/7/2011

" Prefer the 1978 original edition...
"

Pam | 2/6/2011

" Requires reading again and again as your life changes.
"

Mary | 1/25/2011

" Foster explains the why and how-to of Christian disciplines like prayer, study and memorization. This is not just a book to read, it is a book to DO.
"

Katrina | 1/10/2011

" Very good. I am re-reading it this year. :)
"

Sean-david | 1/10/2011

" Simply put- if you have not read this-you should.
"

Anna | 12/28/2010

" Reading slowly. It's making me think.
"

Tim | 12/28/2010

" A classic on the explanation and practice of more traditional disciplines.
"

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